Gum Disease Treatment – Wilmington, IL
Using The Latest Techniques & Technology To Tackle Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common oral health problem that impacts one out of two adults in the United States, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gum disease begins with bacterial growth in your mouth, which left unchecked can ultimately lead to tooth loss. We closely monitor all signs and symptoms of gum disease at each of your semi-annual checkups. This way, we can increase the chances of diagnosing and treating it early, before it causes permanent damage to your smile. Learn more about gum disease treatment in Wilmington, IL on this page.
Why Choose Grand Dental - Wilmington for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Laser Therapy Treatments
- Customized Gum Disease Therapy
- Board-Certified Periodontist
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning below the gum line that helps reduce the presence of harmful oral bacteria in your mouth. First, your hygienist will remove all plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, as far down as the depth of the pockets of your gums. Then, we will smooth out the roots of your teeth, allowing your gums to healthily reattach. Our goal with this procedure is to reverse the symptoms of gum disease and put your oral health back on the right track.
Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry
We use soft tissue laser gum therapy to reduce the overall bacterial load in your mouth. This special instrument uses a concentrated beam of light that allows us to accurately and precisely remove oral tissue without the need for sutures. It cauterizes the area on-contact as well, eliminating bleeding and drastically reducing the recovery time and risk of infection.
Laser therapy is also effective at halting the development of cold sores when the treatment is applied at the first signs of development. The laser energy destroys the virus that causes the painful and unsightly outbreaks.
Advanced Periodontal Procedures
When complex care becomes necessary to ensure the continuing health and confidence of your gum tissue, rest assured that our team is more than up to the task. Our in-house periodontists have the advanced training needed to perform cosmetic surgery, gum grafting, surgical dental implant placement, and more in a safe environment – no traveling required. We take pride in combining reliable quality with much-needed convenience!
Periodontal Disease FAQs
Gum disease in Wilmington is a serious oral health issue that impacts millions of people each year in the United States. If you are suffering from the symptoms associated with this condition but have questions about treatment, our team at Grand Dental – Wilmington is here to provide the answers. Offering transparent and honest communication with patients, we can explain the process of treatment as well as the potential cost and alternative options should you require more advanced periodontal treatments.
How can I avoid periodontal disease?
Our dental team at Grand Dental – Wilmington provides safe and effective tips to avoid gum disease. Some of the most common include:
- Maintaining optimal oral hygiene by brushing twice each day, flossing at least once a day, and using an ADA-approved mouthwash regularly.
- Quitting bad lifestyle habits such as smoking, eating ice, and biting your fingernails.
- Changing out sugars and starches for healthier alternatives. Leafy greens, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy are all better options.
- Keeping six-month dental checkups and cleanings to catch early accumulations of plaque and tartar buildup.
Will it hurt to undergo periodontal therapy?
No, it will not hurt to undergo periodontal therapy. When meeting with a periodontist in Wilmington, Dr. John Micaletti will evaluate the soft oral tissues to determine the severity of the disease before formulating a personalized treatment plan.
At Grand Dental – Wilmington, we offer different types of care, including scaling and root planing, soft tissue laser therapy, and advanced periodontal procedures.
Before starting certain treatments, we will use local anesthesia to numb the gums, ensuring patients feel comfortable and pain-free.
After completing these services, it is natural to feel some soreness. However, taking over-the-counter pain medication can help to alleviate discomfort.
What happens if my teeth cannot be saved?
Gum disease can progress from the early stages of gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. When it begins to attack the bone and teeth, the symptoms may be too severe, making it difficult to try and save a patient’s teeth.
If periodontal therapy is not a possibility, our team will need to extract the teeth and discuss ways to replace the vacated sockets. Complete healing is essential before moving forward with tooth replacement. This can include dental implants, dentures, or a dental bridge.
Will my dental insurance cover gum disease therapy?
Most dental insurance companies do provide coverage for periodontal therapy. Patients are encouraged, however, to review their plans and determine how much it will cost out of pocket to undergo necessary treatment. Each insurance carrier may label these treatments as minor or major, which means they will agree to pay anywhere between 50-80% of the total cost.
Individuals, however, will need to have met their deductible as well as consider the annual maximum left available, as this will determine how much insurance agrees to pay.
At Grand Dental – Wilmington, our team is ready to assist in helping patients identify alternative, affordable ways to pay.